System for removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface

ABSTRACT

A system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface is provided. The system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface, according to the present invention, includes an apparatus and method useful for removably and adjustably mounting one or more photovoltaic modules on a surface such as a roof, and includes one or more dual track rails. Also included are at least one clamp configurable in at least two different constructions for securing the rails to a footing grid.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains generally to an apparatus andmethod for removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface. Moreparticularly, the new and useful invention claimed in this documentpertains to an system for securely, safely, yet quickly mounting one ormore photovoltaic devices onto a surface including, but not limited to,a roof. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively,useful for removably attaching one or more photovoltaic modules, panelsand arrays to a roof, pole, or other surface, and removing orreadjusting the configuration of the apparatus just as safely, reliablyand quickly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Mounting devices to surfaces that are, or maybe, exposed tounpredictable and varying force vectors caused by wind, rain, and otherelements of weather present technical problems often difficult to solve.A long standing and unsolved challenge in the solar energy industry, forexample, has been resolving how best to mount panels, modules and arraysof photovoltaic devices (collectively, “module” or “modules”) onsurfaces not only securely and safely, but also quickly. The obverseproblem also is significant to the industry, namely safely removing orreconfiguring a module that has been installed on a surface.

[0003] Solar energy radiation from the sun is capable of producing heat,causing chemical reactions, or generating electricity. The sun is anextremely powerful energy source, and solar radiation is by far thelargest source of energy received by Earth, but its intensity at theEarth's surface is comparatively low. This is partly because Earth'satmosphere and its clouds absorb or scatter as much as 54 percent of allincoming sunlight. Solar energy, however, due to technologicalimprovements in the manner of collecting the potential energy, hasbecome increasingly attractive as an energy source: it is inexhaustiblein supply, and non-polluting, both in stark contrast to fossil-fuelsources like coal, oil, and natural gas.

[0004] Sunlight reaching earth consists of approximately 50 percentvisible light, 45 percent infrared radiation, and small amounts ofultraviolet light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation.Radiation is convertible either into thermal energy or directly intoelectricity by photovoltaic cells. In photovoltaic cells, a smallelectrical voltage is generated when light strikes the junction betweena metal and a semiconductor or a junction between two differentsemiconductors. Although the voltage generated from a singlephotovoltaic cell typically is only a fraction of a volt, by connectinglarge numbers of cells together into panels, modules and arrays,significant electric power can be generated. To harness radiation fordirect generation of electricity using cells collected into panels,modules and arrays, a number of apparatus and methods for using andinstalling the apparatus have been devised on which to mount modules onsurfaces exposed to the radiation. The construction, installation, anduse of such apparatus present a number of unsolved problems.

[0005] A wide variety of racks, frames and associated hardware have beenproposed to mount modules on surfaces. Some solutions have proposedmodifications of the shape, structure and size of components of a moduleto achieve more rapid and secure mounting. Other solutions have proposedaltering the construct and design of hardware associated with installingracks, framing, and footings into a footing grid on which modules aremounted. As used in this document the term “footing grid” includes anetwork of keepers often, but not exclusively, L-shaped and formed withat least one hole in each extension of the “L.” The keepers areconnectable to a surface and are formed and shaped to permit attachmentof other hardware components such as rails and frames on which modulesmay be attached.

[0006] Prior approaches suggested for mounting a module on a surfaceinclude significant limitations and problems. A serious challenge toproviding a useful apparatus and method for mounting a module on asurface arises from the variety of sizes and shapes of the modules, aswell as the varying number of modules that might be required in a givensituation. Another challenge that earlier suggestions did not overcomeis the variety of surfaces on which modules may or must be mounted,including roofs, tops and sides of poles, the ground, and otherlocations. Many earlier solutions, therefore, required construction ofcustom built racks to fit each of the enumerable iterations of the sizesand shapes of modules.

[0007] Many earlier suggestions for mounting panels, modules and arraysof photovoltaic devices on surfaces are cumbersome, unsafe, and noteasily assembled or reconfigured. Also, none of the solutions providedan apparatus, and method for installing the apparatus, that would beuniversal. The term “universal” refers to an apparatus and method formounting modules on a wide variety of surfaces that not only accommodateall known shapes, configurations, and numbers of modules, but alsopermit installation top down as well as bottom up. In the industryassociated with installation of photovoltaic modules, the term “topdown” refers to mounting photovoltaic modules on structures such asframes and rails that are attached first to the footing and on thesurface on which the module is to be mounted before the module isattached to the frames or rails. For example, in the case of a module tobe mounted on a building, one or more rails first would be attached to afooting grid that earlier has been attached to the surface, in thisinstance the roof; thereafter, one or more modules would be attached tothe rails. Hardware that secures the module to the rails is attachedfrom the top, or front, of the module. The term “bottom up” refers topositioning a photovoltaic module by first attaching the module to thefooting grid and to the roof or other surface. In bottom up mounting,hardware used to secure the module to the rail is attached from thebottom or back of the module. The uniqueness of each installation, aninstaller's preferences, and the particular module all will determinewhether a top down or bottom up installation is used. Significantly,none of the currently available apparatus for mounting photovoltaicmodules to a surface allow installation both top down and bottom upusing the same rail system.

[0008] Another limitation of current approaches for mountingphotovoltaic modules to a surface is the excessive number and variety ofhardware parts and components that are required to assemble a frame orrail system. Each module or combination of modules installed may presentdifferent shapes, sizes and configurations, thus requiring a uniquecombination of mounting hardware.

[0009] Still another unresolved problem arises from the varying shapes,sizes and configurations of modules. The arrangement of the modules on asurface such as a roof may not be dimensionally consistent with thelocation of rafters underneath the roof into which hardware must beinserted to hold the footing grid and rails.

[0010] Still another limitation of present apparatus for assembling andmounting modules on surfaces is the absence of a system and apparatusthat permits easily adjusting and readjusting of the location on a railon which the module may be positioned.

[0011] Therefore, a previously unaddressed need exists in the industryfor a new and useful system for positioning a device such as aphotovoltaic panels, modules and arrays of photovoltaic devices on asurface such as a roof, pole or other surface. Particularly, there is asignificant need for a method and apparatus for mounting one or morephotovoltaic modules safely, reliably, yet quickly on a surface;removing or reconfiguring the modules just as safely, reliably andquickly; and providing a system that is adjustable and expandable toallow a variety of dimensions and configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Given the conventional solutions for solving the problemsassociated with removably and adjustably mounting a device such as amodule having any of size and shape on a wide variety of surfaces; andof mounting varying shapes, sizes and configurations of modules on asurface such as a roof that may not be dimensionally consistent with thelocation of rafters underneath the roof into which hardware must beinserted to hold the footing grid and rails; and of reducing the numberand variety of different hardware components that installers must use toinstall modules, it would be desirable, and of considerable advantage,to provide an interrelated system for quickly and safely mounting amodule on a surface that overcomes those problems.

[0013] The present invention provides numerous advantages in connectionwith mounting, attaching, adjusting the configuration of one or moremodules, and removing the one or more modules from a surface in a safe,reliable, yet rapid manner. At least one of the advantages of thepresent invention is that it provides an apparatus, and a method ofinstalling the apparatus, that allows installation both top down andbottom up using the same rail system. The present invention alsosignificantly reduces the number and variety of hardware parts andcomponents needed to assemble the apparatus. In addition, the system forremovably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface providesuniversal hardware, permitting installation of a module on a surfaceeither in any direction or configuration.

[0014] In addition, the present invention also allows assembly ofphotovoltaic modules of any size or shape on a variety of surfaces,while insuring that the footing grid remains securely attached to thesurface. The unique dual track rail of the present invention, incombination with the novel clamps of the present invention, also permitready slidable adjusting and readjusting of the location on a rail onwhich the module may be positioned. Equally significant, the presentinvention provides an apparatus and method for removably and adjustablymounting a device such as a module on a surface which respectively areeasy to use and to practice, and which are cost effective for theirintended purposes.

[0015] These and other advantages are achieved in the present inventionby providing a system for removably and adjustably mounting a device ona surface that includes a rail formed with at least two tracks, and oneor more clamps for interconnecting the system. Each of the tracksincludes a channel extending the length of the rail. A slot alsoextending the length of the rail is formed in each channel. The slotsare arranged at approximately a right angle to each other. The uniquechannel construction helps achieve the advantages of the presentinvention by making the rail adjustable to a wide variety of modules. Toadd universality of application to the present invention, the system forremovably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface also includes atleast two different constructions of clamps for top down mounting. Oneconfiguration of the clamps is a duct with at least two opposingshoulders substantially perpendicular to one another, and is usedprimarily for mounting adjacent edges of different modules to a rail.Another configuration of the clamp is a leg having a descending memberand an ascending member extending in opposite directions. A lip, or fin,is provided on the two opposing shoulders, as well as on the ascendingmember, to provide torsional clamping power on the edges of modules. Theleg-shaped clamp is an end clamp, used primarily to mount an edge of amodule to a rail. The clamps maybe repositioned along the rail formedwith at least two tracks, making the system easily and quicklyreconfigurable.

[0016] The advantages and other objects of the present invention, andfeatures of such a system for removably and adjustably mounting a deviceon a surface, will become apparent to those skilled in the art when readin conjunction with the accompanying following description, drawingfigures, and appended claims. It is clear, however, from the foregoingthat the claimed subject matter as a whole, including the structure ofthe apparatus, and the cooperation of the elements of the apparatus, aswell as the method for installing and using the apparatus, combine toresult in a number of unexpected advantages and utilities of the presentinvention.

[0017] In addition, the foregoing has outlined broadly the moreimportant features of the invention to better understand the detaileddescription which follows, and to better understand the contribution ofthe present invention to the art. Before explaining at least oneembodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited in application to the details of construction,and to the arrangements of the components, provided in the followingdescription or drawing figures. The invention is capable of otherembodiments, and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, the phraseology and terminology employed in this disclosure arefor purpose of description, and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0018] As used in this document, the term “device” is not limited to thephotovoltaic environment. For example, but not by way of limitation, theterm includes any device capable of generating power, but may also be adevice capable of holding liquids, gases or admixtures of solids. Adevice may be mounted on a surface which may include the roof or wall ofa building, a pole, or any other surface. The shape of the device is notmaterial to the present invention, and may be rectangular, circular, orany other shape or configuration.

[0019] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the conception onwhich this disclosure is based readily may be used as a basis fordesigning other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out thepurposes of the present invention. The claims, therefore, include suchequivalent constructions to the extent the equivalent constructions donot depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further,the abstract associated with this disclosure is neither intended todefine the invention, which is measured by the claims, nor intended tobe limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

[0020] The novel features of this invention, and the invention itself,both as to structure and operation, are best understood from theaccompanying drawing, considered in connection with the accompanyingdescription of the drawing, in which similar reference characters referto similar parts, and in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0021]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the system for removably andadjustably mounting a device on a surface in an operative environment asan apparatus for removably and adjustably mounting one or morephotovoltaic modules on a surface such as a roof as shown;

[0022]FIG. 2 is a top view of a module installed on a surface;

[0023]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rail in accordance with thepresent invention;

[0024]FIG. 4 is an end view of a rail in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0025]FIG. 5 is a top view of a rail in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0026]FIG. 6 is a side view of a rail in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0027]FIG. 7 shows additional end views of a rail in accordance with thepresent invention;

[0028]FIG. 8 shows a front view of clamps in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0029]FIG. 9 shows a blown up view of the fin of a clamp as noted inFIG. 8;

[0030]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the clamp; and

[0031]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of theclamp.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Briefly, the present invention provides a system for removablyand adjustably mounting a device on a surface. The invention includesone or more dual track rails and one or more unique clamps that may beinterconnected to a footing grid.

[0033]FIG. 1 illustrates the system for removably and adjustablymounting a device on a surface in an operative environment. As shown,the present invention is an apparatus for removably and adjustablymounting one or more photovoltaic modules on a surface such as a roof.Referring initially to FIG. 1, the system for removably and adjustablymounting a device on a surface is shown and generally designated 10. Thesystem for removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface 10,according to the present invention, includes at least one rail 12. In apreferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one rail 12 isformed of extruded aluminum, but the material used is not a materialconsideration to the present invention. As shown perhaps best bycross-reference between FIGS. 3-7, at least one rail 12 is formed withat least two tracks 14 a,b. Both of at least two tracks 14 a,b include achannel 16 a,b, perhaps best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, extending thelength of at least one rail 12 substantially coincident with thelongitudinal axis of at least one rail 12. Each channel 16 a,b in atleast two tracks 14 a,b is formed with a slot 18. Slot 18 extends thelength of at least one rail 12 substantially coincident with thelongitudinal axis of at least one rail 12. In addition, in accordancewith the present invention, slot 18 a in channel 16 a of at least onerail 12 is formed substantially at a right angle A to slot 18 b in anyother of at least two tracks 14 a,b, as shown diagrammatically in FIG.3. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, at least one rail 12 is formed with abody 20. Body has a proximal end 22, a distal end 24, and a hollowchamber 26 between proximal end 22 and distal end 24 of body 20. Hollowchamber 26 contributes to the light weight yet structural rigidity of atleast one rail, and therefore to its ease of handling duringinstallation of system for removably and adjustably mounting a device ona surface 10. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, atleast one rail 12 also is formed with opposing sides 28 a,b and opposingshoulders 30 a,b.

[0034] As further shown in Figure, body 20 includes channel 16 b formedin opposing side 28 b for slidably engaging the rail on hardwaredescribed below. Channel 16 b is formed with slot 18 b extending alongthe longitudinal axis of at least one rail 12. In a preferred embodimentof the present invention, slot 18 a also includes opposing jaws 32 a,bmonolithically protruding from slot 18 substantially along thelongitudinal axis of the first channel 16. Body 20 further includeschannel 16 a. Channel 16 a is formed in opposing shoulder 30 a as shownin FIGS. 3 and 4. Channel 16 a also contributes, in combination withchannel 16 b, to making at least one rail 12 slidably engageable withthe one or more footings 36. As will be apparent to a person skilled inthe art, channel 16 a and channel 16 b enable at least one rail 12 to beslidable engageable with one or more footings 36.

[0035] As also shown by cross-reference among FIGS. 8-11, a system forremovably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface 10 also includesone or more clamps 34. As shown best by reference to FIGS. 8 and 10, oneor more clamps 34 is formed as a duct 42. Duct 42 includes at least twoopposing flanges 44. Opposing flanges 44 of one or more clamps 34 aresubstantially perpendicular to one another. One or more clamps 34 mayalso be described as formed with a plate 46 and monolithic opposing sidewalls 48 extending substantially in the same direction at substantiallyright angles B from plate 46. Opposing side walls 48 include a lowerinner edge 50 and an upper face 52. A fin 54 extends from upper face 52substantially along the longitudinal axis of one or more clamps 34 a.One or more clamps 34 also includes least one hole 56 through plate 46for securing one or more clamps 34 as described below.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment of one or more clamps 34, one ormore clamps 34 is formed with a leg 58 having a base 60 as shown best inFIG. 11. From base 60 of leg 58 a descending member 62 monolithicallyextends from base 60. In addition, from base 60 of leg 58 an ascendingmember 64 monolithically extends from base 60 in a directionsubstantially opposite the direction of descending member 62. As alsoshown in Figure, one or more clamps 34 include means 66 for connectingbase 68 to at least one rail 12. One or more clamps 34 also includesmeans 70 for variably positioning one or more clamps 34 in channel 16 ofat least one rail 12.

[0037]FIG. 1 also shows a device 68 that may be mounted on surface 40using the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, device 68 is a photovoltaic module 68′, also shown in FIG. 2.Photovoltaic module 68′ is formed with an edge 72. In a photovoltaicenvironment for application of the present invention, edge 72 holds oneor more photovoltaic panels 74. As also shown best in FIGS. 1 and 2,footing grid 38 includes one or more footings 36. In combination, theone or more footings 36 compose a network of keepers 76. In thepreferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the network ofkeepers 76 is L-shaped and constructed of metal. Neither the shape normaterial of the keepers 76 is a material limitation of the presentinvention. Each of keepers 76 may be fastened to surface 40. If surface40 is a roof of a building, keepers 76 may be attached to surface 40 byinserting lag bolts (not shown) through keepers 76 into rafters 78beneath surface 40. Once installed, keepers 76 form a grid, as shown inFIG. 1, on which at least one rail 12 of the present invention isremovably connectable.

[0038] Using the principal embodiment of the present invention, inoperation one or more clamps 34 are variably positionable not only on atleast one rail 12, but also on footing grid 38 for demountably securingmodule 68′ to footing grid 38, as shown by reference to FIG. 1. As shownin FIG. 9, a preferred embodiment of fin 54 includes a serrated surface55 that grips edge 72 of module 68′ with significant torsional rigidity,but because of the use of conventional hardware for attaching one ormore clamps 34 to edge 72 of module 68′, one or more clamps 34 arequickly and safely repositionable. As further shown in Figure, channel16 a, during installation, maybe slidably engaged with at least one rail12 and to footing grid 38. As shown in Figure, slot 18 includes opposingjaws 32 monolithically protruding from slot 18 substantially along thelongitudinal axis of channel 16 a. Jaws 32 contribute to making one ormore clamps 34 slidable and removably engageable, and therefore allowthe present invention to be not only mounted, but reconfigured onsurface 40. Channel 16 b also contributes, in combination with firstchannel 16 a, to making at least one rail 12 slidably engageable, andrepositionable, with one or more clamps 34. As will be apparent to aperson skilled in the art, channel 16 a and channel 16 b enable at leastone rail 12 to be slidable engageable with not only one or more clamps34, but also with footers 36 comprising footing grid 38.

[0039] While the system for removably and adjustably mounting a deviceon a surface 10 as shown in drawing FIGS. 1 through 11 is one embodimentof the present invention, it is only one such embodiment of theinvention, is not intended to be exclusive, and is not a limitation ofthe present invention. The particular a system for removably andadjustably mounting a device on a surface as shown and disclosed indetail in this instrument is fully capable of obtaining the objects andproviding the advantages stated, but this disclosure is merelyillustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention,and no limitations are intended in connection with the details ofconstruction, design or composition other than as provided and describedin the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for removably and adjustably mounting adevice on a surface, comprising: a rail formed with at least two tracks;and one or more clamps for connecting the system to the surface.
 2. Asystem for removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface asrecited in claim 1, wherein the at least two tracks include a channelextending the length of the rail.
 3. A system for removably andadjustably mounting a device on a surface as recited in claim 2, whereinthe channel in the at least two tracks is formed with a slot extendingthe length of the rail.
 4. A system for removably and adjustablymounting a device on a surface as recited in claim 3, wherein the slotin one of the at least two tracks is formed at substantially a rightangle to the slot in any other of the at least two tracks.
 5. A systemfor removably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface as recitedin claim 1, wherein the rail is formed with a body having a proximalend, a distal end, and a hollow chamber therebetween.
 6. A system forremovably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface as recited inclaim 1, wherein the one or more clamps is formed as a duct with atleast two opposing shoulders.
 7. A system for removably and adjustablymounting a device on a surface as recited in claim 6, wherein theopposing shoulders of the one or more clamps are substantiallyperpendicular to one another.
 8. A system for removably and adjustablymounting a device on a surface as recited in claim 1, wherein the one ormore clamps is formed with a leg having a base, a descending membermonolithically extending from the base, and an ascending membermonolithically extending from the base in a direction substantiallyopposite the direction of the descending member.
 9. A system forremovably and adjustably mounting a device on a surface as recited inclaim 1, wherein the one or more clamps include means for connecting thedevice to the rail.
 10. An apparatus for positioning a module on asurface, comprising: a footing grid, wherein the footing grid includesat least one keeper; at least one dual track rail removably mountable onthe footing grid; and one or more clamps variably positionable on thedual track rail and footing grid for demountably securing the module tothe footing grid.
 11. An apparatus for positioning a module on a surfaceas recited in claim 10, wherein the footing grid further comprises meansfor variably positioning the at least one dual track rail on the atleast one keeper.
 12. An apparatus for positioning a module on a surfaceas recited in claim 10, wherein the at least one dual track railincludes a body having a proximal end, a distal end, a hollow chamberbetween the proximal end and distal end, opposing sides, and opposingshoulders.
 13. An apparatus for positioning a module on a surface asrecited in claim 12, wherein the body further comprises a first channelformed in one of the opposing sides for slidably engaging the rail tothe footing grid.
 14. An apparatus for positioning a module on a surfaceas recited in claim 13, wherein the first channel is formed with a slotextending along the longitudinal axis of the dual track rail.
 15. Anapparatus for positioning a module on a surface as recited in claim 14,wherein the slot includes opposing jaws monolithically protruding fromthe slot substantially along the longitudinal axis of the first channel.16. An apparatus for positioning a module on a surface as recited inclaim 12, wherein the body further comprises a second channel formed inone of the opposing shoulders for slidably engaging the rail on the oneor more clamps.
 17. An apparatus for positioning a module on a surfaceas recited in claim 10, wherein the one or more clamps is formed with aplate and monolithic opposing side walls extending substantially in thesame direction at substantially right angles from the plate.
 18. Anapparatus for positioning a module on a surface as recited in claim 17,wherein the opposing side walls include a lower inner edge and an upperface, and a fin extending from the upper face substantially along thelongitudinal axis of the at least one dual track rail.
 19. An apparatusfor positioning a module on a surface as recited in claim 10, whereinthe one or more clamps includes means for variably positioning the oneor more clamps in the second channel, and for positioning the at leastone keeper in the first channel of the at least one dual track rail. 20.An apparatus for positioning a module on a surface as recited in claim10, wherein the one or more clamps is formed with at least one holethrough the plate for securing the clamp on the at least one dual trackrail.
 21. An apparatus for positioning a module on a surface as recitedin claim 10, wherein the one or more clamps is formed with a leg havinga base with a first side and a second side, a leading surface and afollowing surface, a descending member monolithically extending from thefirst side in a direction opposite the following surface, and anascending member monolithically extending from the second side in adirection opposite the leading surface.
 22. An apparatus for positioninga module on a surface as recited in claim 21, wherein the ascendingmember further includes a projecting distally longitudinal fin extendingfrom the second side in the direction opposite the ascending member. 23.An apparatus for positioning a module on a surface as recited in claim22, wherein the base is formed with at least one hole through the base.24. A method for installing one or more devices on a plurality ofkeepers located on a surface, comprising: mounting removably one or moredual track rails on the plurality of keepers; selecting a module havingopposing edges; positioning the module on the one or more dual trackrails; and securing the opposing edges of the module to the one or moredual track rails with one or more clamps.
 25. A method for installingone or more devices on a plurality of footings located on a surface asrecited in claim 24, wherein the one or more dual track rails mountingstep includes the substep of arranging one or more keepers into afooting grid.
 26. A method for installing one or more devices on aplurality of footings located on a surface as recited in claim 24,wherein the one or more dual track rails mounting step includes thesubsteps of: selecting a body having a proximal end, an distal end,opposing sides, and opposing shoulders; shaping the body to form in oneof the opposing sides a channel extending substantially coincident withthe longitudinal axis of the one or more dual track rails, for slidablyengaging the rail on the footing grid; further shaping the body to forma slot in the channel extending substantially coincident with thelongitudinal axis of the one or more dual track rails; and configuringthe slot to provide opposing jaws monolithically protruding from theslot into the channel substantially coincident with the longitudinalaxis of the first channel.
 27. A method for installing one or moredevices on a plurality of footings located on a surface as recited inclaim 26, wherein the one or more dual track rails mounting step alsoincludes the substeps of: shaping the body to form a second channel inone of the opposing shoulders for slidably engaging the rail on thefooting grid; further shaping the body to form a slot in the secondchannel extending substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis ofthe one or more dual track rails; and configuring the slot to provideopposing jaws monolithically protruding from the slot into the channelsubstantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the secondchannel.
 28. A method for installing one or more devices on a pluralityof footings located on a surface as recited in claim 24, wherein themodule positioning step includes the substeps of: furnishing one or moreclamps formed with a plate and monolithic opposing side walls extendingsubstantially in the same direction at substantially right angles fromthe plate; and configuring the opposing side walls to form a lower inneredge and an upper face, and a fin extending from the opposing side wallssubstantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the one or moredual track rails.
 29. A method for installing one or more devices on aplurality of footings located on a surface as recited in claim 24,wherein the module securing step includes the substeps of: furnishingone or more clamps formed with a leg having a base, a first side, and asecond side, a leading surface and a following surface; shaping the legto include a descending member monolithically extending from the firstside in a direction opposite the following surface; shaping the leg toinclude an ascending member monolithically extending from the secondside in a direction opposite the leading surface; and further shapingthe leg to provide a on the ascending member a projecting distallylongitudinal fin extending from the second side in the directionopposite the ascending member.
 30. A method for installing one or moredevices on a plurality of footings located on a surface as recited inclaim 24, wherein the module securing step includes the substep ofshaping the one or more clamps for connection to the plurality ofkeepers located on a surface and to the one or more dual track rails.